BVFF charter member Gene Miller passed away April 11, 2017 at a local care home. He was 99. Gene was a regular attendee at club meetings and outings, well into his 90's. He was frequently first on the water at outings, and a faithful attendee at BVFF functions, such as the annual banquet/auction and summer picnic. Gene was a strong supporter of BVFF and the Wooly Buggers youth organization during his time with the club, and has bequeathed several items to both organizations for their benefit.

IFFF announced that it is changing its name to Fly Fishers International. Information regarding the name change and its refocused mission can be found here.

BVFF was founded in 1971 under the organizational structure of the Federation of Fly Fishers (FFF), the former name of IFFF. BVFF has remained an Affiliate member of the organization since its inception.

Read Me Treasure Valley has selected the novel The River Why by David James Duncan for this year's book. The River Why, published in 1983, tells the tale of a young fly fisherman who retreats to a secluded cabin on a riverbank. Isolation unsettles the angler, opening up a wider journey of self-discovery and spirituality. The book was selected because of a resonance with Boise Valley residents with rivers, and the outdoor space.

In association with this book selection, a large number of events are occurring, including a visit to Boise by the author. For a complete list and description see the schedule at Read Me Treasure Valley.

A few of the scheduled events:

The Tiny Things That Run a River — 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28, Ada Community Library Victory Branch, 10664 W. Victory Rd., Boise. David Hopper, a wildlife biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Boise, will talk about the aquatic invertebrates that inspire fly-tying design and how they help shape the river in which they live.

Fly Tying March 1

Wild Idaho-- Fishing Spots March 1
Presented by Tom Claycomb

The Wilderness: Why? — 7 p.m. Thursday, March 2, Idaho Outdoor Association, 3401 Brazil St, Boise. Author and Idaho Statesman reporter Rocky Barker examines the place of wildness and spirituality in literature, in the human experience and in his own life.

Mastering the Art of Fly Fishing: A Life-Time Learning Experience March 4
Presented by BVFF member Gary Green

Fishing for the Good Life: Conservation, Meaning, and Relations in ‘The River Why’ — 7 p.m. Thursday, April 13, Library! @ Cole and Ustick, 7557 W. Ustick Road, Boise. Gregory McElwain, assistant professor of philosophy and religious studies at the College of Idaho, explores the novel’s philosophical themes, including on conservation, social relations, spirituality and the search for meaning.

An Evening with David James Duncan — 7 p.m. Thursday, May 4, Pioneer Room at JUMP, 1000 W. Myrtle St., Boise. "The River Why" author, fly fisher and practitioner of what he calls “direct, small-scale compassion-activism,” will talk about river adventures, writings, fish stories, friendships, conservation victories, great films and "one lousy Hollywood movie” inspired in whole or in part by his novel.